CUMBRIAN cricket star Ben Stokes has given England's Euro 2024 preparations a boost after delivering a 'brilliant session' to Gareth Southgate's squad. 

Stokes, formerly of Cockermouth Cricket Club, gave the session to the Three Lions' 33-man provisional Euro 2024 squad on Saturday, June 1 at Darlington's Rockcliffe Hall. 

Speaking on Sunday evening, prior to his side's 3-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St. James' Park, Southgate explained the benefit of hosting the England Test captain.

He said: "Ben Stokes came in yesterday which I thought was a brilliant session.

"In my head, he’s one of the few English sportsmen that I felt could impact them, make them think.

"He’s authentic, he talked brilliantly about getting the right balance of fearlessness but recognising that anybody’s going to have nerves.

"It’s still making good decisions under pressure. He was able to talk to them about some leadership aspects, the culture he’d tried to create.

"I think that backed up some of the things we’re doing so we were pleased that reaffirmed some ideas as well.

"I just think he’s a hugely impressive guy that’s relatable to their age. And anybody who’s performed as well as he has for England."